What To Know
- The Acer Aspire 3 sports a sleek and lightweight design, with a slim profile and a weight of around 4.
- If you’re looking for a lightweight and affordable laptop with a decent display and performance, the Acer Aspire 3 is a solid option.
- The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a more rugged construction with a durable plastic chassis, while the Acer Aspire 3 has a slimmer and lighter design.
When it comes to budget-friendly laptops, the Acer Aspire 3 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 stand out as top contenders. Both offer a solid foundation for everyday tasks, but which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Acer Aspire 3 sports a sleek and lightweight design, with a slim profile and a weight of around 4.19 pounds. Its plastic exterior feels sturdy, but it does flex slightly under pressure. The Dell Inspiron 15 3520, on the other hand, has a more rugged construction with a durable plastic chassis. It’s slightly heavier at 4.41 pounds, but its thicker profile provides a more robust feel.
Display
Both laptops feature 15.6-inch displays with HD (1366 x 768) resolution. While the resolution may seem low by today’s standards, it’s adequate for basic tasks like browsing the web, writing documents, and watching videos. The Acer Aspire 3’s display offers slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520’s screen has a slightly higher brightness level.
Performance
Under the hood, the Acer Aspire 3 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 come with a range of processor options. The Aspire 3 offers Intel Core i3 and i5 processors, while the Inspiron 15 3520 is available with Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. For general use, the Core i3 models will suffice, but if you plan on running more demanding applications, consider opting for the Core i5 or i7 processors.
Storage and Memory
Both laptops offer a variety of storage and memory configurations. The Acer Aspire 3 comes with either a 128GB or 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) and 4GB or 8GB of RAM. The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers similar storage options but with a wider range of RAM options, including 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB. SSDs provide significantly faster boot times and application loading compared to traditional hard drives.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for students and professionals on the go. The Acer Aspire 3 claims to offer up to 7 hours of battery life, while the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 promises up to 8 hours. However, real-world battery life may vary depending on usage patterns.
Features and Connectivity
The Acer Aspire 3 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 come equipped with a standard set of features and connectivity options. Both laptops feature built-in webcams, microphones, and speakers. They also have a variety of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a headphone/microphone jack.
Value and Affordability
Price is a major factor for budget-conscious buyers. The Acer Aspire 3 typically starts at a lower price point than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520. However, the Inspiron 15 3520 offers a wider range of configurations and may provide better value for money depending on the specific features you need.
The Verdict: Which Laptop is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best choice between the Acer Aspire 3 and Dell Inspiron 15 3520 depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a lightweight and affordable laptop with a decent display and performance, the Acer Aspire 3 is a solid option. If you prioritize durability, a wider range of configuration options, and slightly better battery life, the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 is the better choice.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which laptop has a better processor?
A: The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 offers a wider range of processor options, including up to an Intel Core i7.
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 promises up to 8 hours of battery life, slightly longer than the Acer Aspire 3’s 7 hours.
Q: Which laptop has a more durable build quality?
A: The Dell Inspiron 15 3520 has a more rugged construction with a durable plastic chassis, while the Acer Aspire 3 has a slimmer and lighter design.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The Acer Aspire 3 typically starts at a lower price point than the Dell Inspiron 15 3520.
Q: Which laptop is better for students?
A: Both laptops are suitable for students, but the Dell Inspiron 15 3520 may be a better choice for those who need a more durable and powerful machine.
